Should I keep a 308 or F355?

It seems to me, reading your post, that the best answer might be: none of the above.

Seriously. If restoring cars is what makes you happy, then you should probably seek out something a project car and work on it. For -- and, again, this is solely based on what you've written above -- it would seem that the 308, as a finished project, would soon be sold and the 355 -- though a nice car -- might just be a 'use it for a little while and move on' car.

Of course, if you're interested in keeping one of the two in the interim (until the next project), I'd say that you should see if you can drive the 355. Then decide, based on your experiences, which you'd prefer (the 355 or 308) to have.

I'm not sure that this is one of those questions that can be answered rationally (though, if we approach it from cost/benefit the 308 would likely be more 'economical'), and so I'd go with the one you like better (for whatever reason).

...until you get the next project, that is.

 

My opinion - sell something else and keep both...


Seriously though, IMHO the 308 is easy to work on as you already know. The price of fixing things on a 355 would scare me to death. I think they would be a blast to drive and the sound they make is pure heaven.

So, I would keep the 308 and not worry with the 355.


PDG

 

What is your view on the finances of keeping these cars around? Never finance a depreciating asset. But I suspect you mean, "what is your view on the cost structure to keep these cars running". In this cast, it take a lot of money relative to normal cars even Vettes adn Vipers, but they are worth it.

How much depreciation do you expect? I expect, when the economy comes back around, that the F355s, 360s and to some extent F348s will rise in value.

How much do they cost to maintain if I'm doing the work? Depends on which parts need replacing. The minimum parts costs for a F355 major service is $1500--assuming nothing else needs attention, and that labor is free.

How much labor do they take to maintain relative to each other? Figure 2X for the F355 over a 308.

Is there anything on the F355 that makes it a bummer to work on? No, not really.

Is the F355 ODBII? The 95 is OBDI, the 96-99 is OBDII

What are the major advantages of one over the other? The F355 has a much lower center of gravity, is a lot faster, handles better at speed, and is more expensive to maintain due to the cost f parts and the accessibility of those parts. The 308 is fully depreciated, inexpensive (on the Ferrari scale). Both are beautiful.

Any other insights? The reason we put up with the costs is that they make such beautiful music.

 

Having owned and enjoyed both ('85 308QV and '97 F355 GTB), I'd have to say that I miss the 308 the most!

 

I disagree.

I also wouldn't bet on a "#3" 1982 308 appreciating anytime soon. Not to say it wouldn't be a fun car to own, but financially every car mentioned is a loser right now.

 

Agree--but keep the 355--a much better car.

 

As a non-op car, an '82 308 (bottom of the bunch) for 15k is about right. A 355, if maintained well for 40k is a good deal. If not, it's also not a super deal. So I guess we need more details and what you're expecting to get out of them (in terms of driving experience) to know the answer. Since they are very different cars.

Ace

 

+1

get rid of the wife's car and have her drive a Ferrari. Maybe the "five" limit will increase if she falls in love with Ferrari's. Worth a shot.

also, what is this limit crap. does she have a limit on how many shoes or dresses she buys?

MB

 

Sell everything else but Never sell your ferraris.

You can't drive a House!.

 

LOL!!

 

+1, Agree if you could afford it.

 

Smart man. Many cars have already surpassed the 355's performance. Few have or will ever surpass the 308's iconic stature.

 

Injected 308s and 355s are not vintage Ferraris now or in the near future. They are both poor investments. In this price range you would be better off fixing up a fiberglass 308 or ratty Boxer. That way you might get you money back in a few years. (Keep an eye on that Koenig Boxer on Ebay.)

 

well the 82 308 gts wasnt exactly a barn burner performance wise (at lease the u.s. versions) however since they only made less than 1800 of them from 80-83 they will eventually appreciate...you're spot on on the depreciation comment and now is the time to buy!!

the 95 355 (is it a spyder gtb gts?) is a much more fun driving experience and a total 355 production of 4404 but at 40K is only a bargain if its had its 30k service and the valve guide issue addressed,all its tools and books records etc..if it has not then imo keep the 308 clean it up and keep the wife happy

 

Simple answer: Keep the one that is more fun to drive. Nothing else should factor into your decision.

 

You should buy some industrial space right away. And get rid of the XJS. As far as Jaguars go anything after 1974 XKE has woof written all over it.